Les Miles post-game press conference: “Our football team is much better than they showed tonight”

LSU coach Les Miles knows his team can play much better than it did during its 30-16 loss against Alabama Saturday night. Miles took the blame for LSU’s poor performance in the biggest game of the season.

“Our football team is much better than they showed tonight,” Miles said in his postgame press conference according to The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger. “I’ll take that one.”

LSU lost its fifth-straight game to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in a contest that wasn’t as close as the scoreboard indicated. Miles said he wasn’t sure if his team was ready to play this pivotal game.

“Alabama was ready to play; I don’t know that we were,” Miles said according to NOLA.com’s Jerit Roser.

Heisman Trophy contender Leonard Fournette did not get much of an opportunity to flash his talent throughout the game. LSU’s offensive line was dominated all night by Alabama’s fearsome front seven. Fournette was held to 31 yards and a meaningless touchdown on 19 carries. Miles gave kudos to Alabama’s defensive line for dominating the trenches.

“I think the offensive line faced a very talented, capable line in Alabama,” Miles said according to The Advocate’s Marcus Rodrigue. “They were challenged.”

Miles said the Tigers didn’t give his star running back many holes to run through.

“I’d like to tell you that we gave Leonard an opportunity to run; I don’t know that they did that,” Miles said according to Roser.

LSU played its worst game of the year. The Tigers were out-gained 434-182 and surrendered 28 first downs to Derrick Henry and the Alabama offense. Miles recognized how poorly his team played.

“I think we’ll understand that any time you play (like that), you get what you deserve,” Miles said according to Rodrigue.

LSU played its worst game of the season by a long shot, but the Tigers’ SEC title hopes are not out of reach. Miles said his team would rally after a disappointing loss.

“Now is not the regroup time,” Miles said according to Tiger Rag’s James Moran. “It’s the painful time. The good news is we’ve still got a lot to play for.”

Miles: "Our football team is much better than they showed tonight. I'll take that one." #LSU